School highlights

• View videos of campus life, programs and services to get a better sense of Dakota County Technical College’s campus and students at dctc.edu/videos.
• Socialize with current students, faculty, staff and alumni at facebook.com/dakotatech or twitter.com/dctc.
• Visit campus any Tuesday from 12:45 to 2:30 p.m. to see why Dakota County Technical College has a reputation for being one of the friendliest campuses around.
• Explore more than 300 classes offered online or in a hybrid format that combines online and classroom learning.
• Work with instructors to learn more about options such as credit for life experience, short-term classes and programs, an individualized studies degree or other flexible scheduling options.
• Enjoy small class sizes, opportunities for one-on-one advising and assistance from instructors, and a student environment that welcomes students from any age or background.
• Take part in hands-on labs and real-world experiences that prepare you to take on a career in your area of study.
• Learn using industry-standard equipment and up-to-date curricula developed through strong relationships with business and industry.
• Check out non-credit and customized training offerings.
• Get involved in the community through service learning activities built in to program curriculum, or take part in student life activities.
   

Admissions

Admissions requirements

Admissions Checklist
To view DCTC's complete admissions checklist, click here.

Tuesday Campus Visit
Prospective students and visitors are welcome to visit DCTC any Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. during our weekly campus visit. Admissions staff and faculty are on hand each week to answer questions, provide tours and assist you with the admissions process. For more information, click here.
 

General Admissions Information
Dakota County Technical College has an open admissions policy. This means:

• You can enroll if you have a high school diploma or a GED. Even without those, you may be admitted if you demonstrate potential for success in college.
• You don’t have to take a standardized test to be admitted, and your high school grades and class rank are not considered.
• After you are admitted, you will take a placement test. That will tell you if you need to take remedial or developmental courses, which will not count toward a degree, before you can take college-level courses. Many students need just one developmental course, often in math or English. If you have taken these subjects every year in high school, you are more likely to do well on the placement test.

You can complete your studies in less time and for less total cost if you come well prepared for college-level work, especially by taking math, English, science and social studies classes every year in high school. Also, some programs of study require more math and science, so your high school preparation makes a difference.

Apply early in 12th grade. That increases your chances of being admitted to the specific program you want when you enter college. Some programs are more popular than others and fill early.
 

Tuition & finance

Tuition and Fees (2012-2013): $5,693

FAFSA Code: 010402

How to apply for financial aid

Your key to receiving financial aid to help pay your college costs is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA form. Many students don’t realize they could qualify for grant money and federally guaranteed loans, so be sure to find out by filling out the form.

Complete the FAFSA after Jan. 1 of your senior year. Find the form online at www.fafsa.ed.gov or pick up the form at your school counselor’s office. For help with completing the form, go to your high school counselor or the financial aid office at the college or university you plan to attend.

The FAFSA determines your eligibility for one or more of the following types of financial aid:

Scholarships
Scholarships are a great source of aid, and you do not need to pay them back. Many scholarships are available for students with special interests and backgrounds. Talk to your guidance counselor about what kind of scholarships you can get.

Grants
You may be eligible to receive federal and state grants of $300 to more than $7,000 per year. You do not need to pay these back.

Work study
Work study programs give you the opportunity to work on campus or with approved off-campus employers to earn money to pay for college. Work study jobs are often very flexible, allowing you to work around your classes and personal schedules.